Airtel Africa, Mastercard Launch Virtual Payment Card
Airtel Africa has partnered with Mastercard to launch the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card, a new solution connecting customers across Africa with global online marketplaces.
The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Money, Ian Ferrao, confirmed this in a statement. He said the collaboration with Mastercard would empower Airtel’s 150 million mobile users in 14 African countries by providing access to Mastercard’s global merchant network for secure international transactions.
According to Ferrao, the Airtel Money GlobalPay Card is a virtual (non-plastic) payment solution linked directly to Airtel Money wallets.
He noted that the card could be used for various global online payments, including platforms such as Facebook, Netflix, Uber, Amazon, Google, AliExpress, and Alibaba.
“Users will also be able to make payments for travel bookings, utilities, subscriptions, and international purchases—all from their mobile phones,” Ferrao said.
He added that the payment solution aims to meet Africa’s growing demand for digital payments and support small businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The partnership aligns with Airtel Africa’s goal of enhancing financial inclusion by providing efficient and seamless payment solutions to mobile money users across the continent.
“By integrating Mastercard’s secure virtual payment solution with Airtel Money, we are simplifying international payments and making them more accessible.
“Mastercard’s global network and expertise in payment solutions will be vital in supporting financial inclusion efforts across Africa.
“The initiative also aligns with Mastercard’s commitment to bringing one billion people, 50 million small businesses, and 25 million women entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025,” he said.
Senior Vice President for Digital Partnerships at Mastercard Middle East and Africa, Muhammad Nana, said the strategy focused on enabling the digital transformation of partners.
Nana said the partnership would allow customers to access a seamless global payment ecosystem. “With over 150 million Airtel Africa consumers now connected to the global digital economy, we are helping more people access the benefits of e-commerce,” he said.
Nana noted that with increasing mobile internet access and affordable smartphones, African consumers were well-positioned to take full advantage of the new solution. Nigeria Turns Down Bids over Excess Demand for Local Bonds
